Track season begins

March 18, 2005

William Thompson:Quay County Sun

Tucumcari High School track coach Wayne Ferguson has reason to expect good things this spring. More than 50 boys and girls have come out for the track team and have been working out since Jan. 17.
“We had success last year when our boys finished third in the state,” Ferguson said. “When you have success more kids want to participate.”
As for this year’s boys’ team, Ferguson has Chris McCasland and Nemi Salvador back. McCasland placed second in the state in the high jump last year.
“I hope he wins it this year,” Ferguson said, “and Nemi Salvador has a good chance to win in the long jump or triple jump.”
Ferguson has some decent sprinters in McCasland, Eric Holt and Justin Benavidez, although Nick Wiegel’s knee is still undergoing rehab from a football injury. Ferguson thinks distance running will be stronger this year.
“We have three freshmen who are good distance runners,” Ferguson said, “Austin Sellers, Kevin Perkins and Andrez Apodaca. In the hurdles we have Adrian Jones and Phillip Burns.
In the field, Stephen Quintana will be throwing the shot put and discus, and Ferguson said Nathan McDonald has been throwing the javelin very well.
Jamie Jones will lead the girls in the throwing events along with Andrea Garcia and Sam Montano.
Ferguson likes the girls’ relay teams.
“The relay teams have a good chance for success with Kaitlyn Lopez, T’Shawna Span, Nikki Newman and Jocelyn DeBord,” Ferguson said. “Mercedes Urioste is back for the half-mile competition and other distance runners are Theresa Chacon, Kara Tollet and Brandi Arenas.
The first meet was Friday. No meets are scheduled at Tucumcari High School this season due to the poor condition of the track.
“I expect us to compete well in all events this season,” Ferguson said.